9 Best Outdoor Shades for Screened Porches You Will Die For

Winter is over and it's time to enjoy the outdoors! If you're one of the lucky people who has a porch or veranda, ‘tis the season to revamp those private outdoor areas! Outdoor shades are a good investment if you have the ability to extend your living space outside in the warmer months.

Similar to indoor window shades, these coverings are hung around porches and other sun-drenched areas in order to keep them cool and provide ambience to your outdoor spaces.They are made of more durable material in order to withstand nature’s elements and are typically operated by pulleys or motors since they are hung along awnings, rooflines, or other hard-to-reach areas.

Last update on 2019-03-21 at 08:16
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

You can find examples of these screened porch facades in magazines or online, showcasing what can be achieved using this type of decor. In addition to aesthetics, there are many benefits to installing outdoor shades, such as:

9 Awesome Outdoor Shades For Screened Porch Facades

1. Radiance Exterior Solar Shade with 85% UV Ray Protection

DESCRIPTION: This sturdy roller shade is great bang for your buck! It is made from a weather-resistant fabric that will block sun glare and provide UV protection while still letting in air and light. Great for both indoor and outdoor structures, such as windows, porches, gazebos, and sunrooms. It is easily operated via a smooth-action roller clutch-and-pull chain, which features a safety device to reduce risk of strangulation. Proper placement will help reduce cooling costs by shielding your home from the hot sun. All hardware is included to easily install this shade on your own. Available in a lovely Cocoa color. .

DESCRIPTION: Made of breathable woven polyethylene, this lightweight yet durable shade maintains visibility while providing excellent UV protection. In addition, it will help reduce sunlight and glare, keeping your home cooler by blocking the sun's rays before they heat up your surroundings. The panel is easy to install and adjustable with a beaded cord that can be placed on either the right or left side. It also includes a cord safety device designed to prevent child and pet endangerment. All hardware and mounting brackets for ceiling or wall installation are included, as well as bottom rail rings to prevent the shade from moving or flapping in wind. The sleek design comes in three stylish colors as well - Black, Cream, and Cabo Sand.

3. Coolaroo Exterior Cordless Roller Shade

DESCRIPTION: This exterior roller shade is one of our FAVES! combine unique knitted fabric and neutral Sesame color that will be a fresh addition to any décor. This lightweight HDPE synthetic material blocks up to 80% of damaging UV rays while still allowing ample airflow and light into the area. Operated by a smooth-action crank mechanism without cords or chains, this product is a great child-safe option. The shade and its components are very durable and will resist fading, mold and mildew, ensuring they look great and last for a long time. Furthermore, the manufacturer claims installing these shades can substantially reduce temperatures in and around your home, saving up to 40% on energy costs - doesn’t get any better than that!

Pros

Cons

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

Breathable, weather-resistant fabric blocks up to 80% of UV rays

Save up to 40% on energy costs with proper placement

Safe, cordless operation

Higher price point - depending on size

Some customers had problems with installation

Not recommended for withstanding strong winds

4. Keystone Fabrics Outdoor Roller Sun Shade

SIZE: Available in 4 ft. x 6 ft., 6 ft. x 6 ft., and 8 ft. x 6 ft.

DESCRIPTION: Enhance the comfort of your outdoor areas by blocking direct sunlight, UV exposure, and blinding glare with this tough exterior solar shade! Made with a heavy-duty PE (polyethylene) fabric, this product protects people, pets, and furnishings from up to 88% of UVA rays. The exterior-grade knitted fabric and durable components will give you years of worry-free use! Using the included mounting brackets for either ceiling or wall installation, simply place this shade in any area facing direct sunlight to reduce heat inside your home and start saving on cooling costs. As part of the manufacturer’s “silver series,” these shades come with a metal bottom tube and a ring tie-down system. Additionally, the cord-operated roller chain clutch features a child safety tension device and can easily be moved to the left or right. Available in three fabric colors - Monterey, Cabo Sand, Pebble Beach.

5. Coolaroo Select Exterior Cordless Roller Shade

SIZE: 4 ft. x 6 ft. (An additional 2.75” is required for the installation of this shade to accommodate the mounting brackets. The total height once mounted and installed is 74.74”.)

DESCRIPTION: Similar to the previous Coolaroo product, this shade combines their signature breathable HDPE fabric with child-safe cordless crank mechanism. This shade blocks up to 90% of damaging UV rays while filtering light and reducing glare. The durable material and components will resist fading, mold and mildew for years to come! And don’t forget, installing these shades can substantially reduce indoor temperatures and help you save on energy costs.

6. Coolaroo Cordless Exterior Roller Shade

SIZE: Available in 6 ft. x 6 ft. and 8 ft. x 6 ft.

DESCRIPTION: Another high-ranking item from ! Their unique knitted polyester fabric is really great at blocking the sun's heat (and up to 90% of UV rays) while at the same time allowing in airflow during those hot days. This particular shade has the same child-safe cordless operation and is made of the same weather-resistant materials as the previous Coolaroo items, Its stylish mocha-colored, light-filtering fabric weave reduces glare without darkening the surrounding areas too much, providing adequate privacy and helping improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Pros

Cons

Unique knitted 'breathable' fabric allows airflow and privacy

Substantially reducing temperatures and energy costs

Designed with an aluminum head rail for added strength and durability

Heavy-duty spring roller mechanism allows you to easily move the shade into position.

Many of the reviews stated they received their shipments damaged or the product was defective and had to be returned.

Medium price point - one reviewer claimed they found it at their local home improvement store at half price!

Not recommended for inside mounting - be sure to verify your width measurements if you plan to hang this within any frame or enclosure.

7. Lewis Hyman Vinyl PVC Rollup Blind

DESCRIPTION: These durable roll-up blinds are as easy on the wallet as they are easy to use! For those looking for a minimalistic option that still provides ample sun coverage and privacy, this is the product for you. Unlike the shades previously listed, this item is made from PVC slats instead of fabric. It operates like a traditional window blind and even comes complete with an automatic cord lock to aid in height adjustment. It also has hooks and an adjustable headrail for easy hanging. Available in a variety of sizes and two colors, Woodgrain or White, to fit any space and complement your current decor.

Pros

Cons

One of the more affordable options on this list

PVC material makes this product very durable and easy to clean

Easy installation with hooks

Blinds do not offer as much protection from glare and UV rays as fabric shades

Many customers had problems with rolling the blinds up - the cords get tangled easily or are not taut enough to hold the slats together

8. Coolaroo Select Sesame Sun Shade

SIZE: 4 ft. x 6 ft.

DESCRIPTION:Coolaroo is really dominating this sunshade list! Here is another outstanding option with the same UV- and heat-blocking power as the previous items. It will help keep your outdoor space cool and comfortable even in the strongest sun, thanks to the company’s innovative fabrics that withstand extreme weather conditions and the effects of harmful UV rays. The shade is mounted on an easy-to-install roller clutch head rail, making adjustments a breeze. Then you can focus on enjoying the actual breezes while basking under your new outdoor shades!

9. Castlecreek Sunscreen Roll-Up Window Shade

SIZE: Available in 4 ft. x 6 ft., 6 ft. x 6 ft., and 8 ft. x 6 ft.

DESCRIPTION: Coming in as 2nd runner up in affordability is this window shade from Castlecreek. Its weaved HDPE fabric resists mold, mildew, weather, and fading while letting light and fresh summer breezes right in. This item is easily installed wherever you need it, using the included headrail and mounting hardware. A traditional pull cord raises and lowers the shade, making height adjustment a snap. Very handy whether you want to soak up some vitamin D or keep light and harmful UV rays out of your eyes and home.

Pros

Cons

Blocks up to 90% of UV rays without cutting off airflow

2nd least expensive option on list

Some customers had problems with the pull cord breaking and not being able to order replacement parts. However, the manufacturer gladly replaces any broken items once they are returned.

How To Pick Your Outdoor Shades

1. Atmosphere - Decide what sort of ambience you want for your space and have your shades complement this. Take into consideration things like the overall style and color scheme of your outdoor furnishings.

2. Level Of Protection - Consider why you are purchasing outdoor shades. Does your area have a mild climate or do you need protection from harder weather? Do you want shades that will give you more privacy or let light in?

3. Cost - Be sure to plan your budget accordingly and stick to it. No matter what the total amount is, you will find many options to choose from when shopping for your outdoor shades.

4. Durability - Based on your needs and geographical location, you may want to opt for shades that can tolerate extreme temperatures or be easy to clean. Most products are mold and mildew resistant, too.

The following is a list of just a few fantastic outdoor shades available online that are sure to deliver quality and affordability to your home improvement project. This article will help you sift through these products and make an informed purchase, but please be sure to measure the areas where you plan to use these shades before buying anything.

Conclusion

So what to do with all this information? Of course, we encourage you to research the products a bit more on your own, but - in this author’s opinion - the best choices on the list are the Coolaroo Select Exterior Cordless Roller Shade and Castlecreek Sunscreen Roll-Up Window Shade.

Both items are priced very affordably on the list, which is especially exciting for a brand name like Coolaroo. The Australian company is well-known for their innovative fabrics that withstand extreme weather conditions, so you can expect high quality from their products.

The Castlecreek shade, however, is of a similar caliber. When it comes to UV protection, both shades block up to 90% of the sun’s harmful rays. Both are also made of lightweight synthetic fabric that will allow airflow and light through while resisting mold, mildew, and fading.

In terms of differences, a big plus for the Castlecreek product is that it’s available in more sizes. On the other hand, the Coolaroo has a leg up with its child-safe cordless crank operation. Both are important features not to be overlooked.

If you’re feeling like this is is gonna be a tough decision, as they say Down Under, no worries, mate! If the customer reviews are accurate, you’ll be happy no matter which one you purchase.

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If you're looking to beautify your home make sure to check out our curated lists for fantastic porch & patio ideas, as well as superb home and garden products. Improve your porch or patio facade today!

Last update on 2019-03-21 at 10:16
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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